Saturday, February 23, 2008

Since returning from Hypnoticon earlier this month the subject of evangelism has been often in my mind. No, not in the religious sense; I'm thinking more about the ways that people extend themselves to promote an idea about which they are passionate.

What does that have to do with hypnosis? Regular readers of this blog may recall the poll from two weeks back, 'Would You Let a Stranger that You Just Met Hypnotize You on the Street?' That poll (to which the overall response was a heaping 'No' with a side of 'Maybe/It Depends') grew out of discussion, some on the blog and some off, about the walkabout trance experience at Hypnoticon. I didn't participate in that exercise because I felt uncomfortable walking up to strangers and saying, "Hey, I'm a hypnotist -- can I hypnotize you right now?" What I wrote to Ellie was that the idea made me feel like a hypnotic Jehovah's Witness, metaphorically speaking, which led to the juxtaposition of hypnosis and evangelism.

In a way, walkabout hypnosis exercises are a method of evangelizing -- that is, publicly promoting and advocating -- hypnosis. But for those of us who aren't bold or outgoing enough to accost strangers in the street, aren't there other ways of achieving the same end? Some hypnotists take to radio and TV talk shows to talk up the benefits of hypnosis; others participate in events such as World Hypnotism Day; some volunteer their services at hospices, hospitals, and other places where need is high and resources often low. I give a presentation on hypnosis to the Psychology class at my childrens' high school every semester.

So my Sunday Question for you is: what do you do to evangelize for hypnosis in your community?

3 comments:

It is great that you have joined this blog with Ellie. You two are a dynamic duo!

I have had local television appearances as well as drive time radio spots with the DJ's. I have been an active participant in World Hypnotism Day and send out press releases whenever a big event is taking place.

This coming week I am speaking to the CFO's of the Busch Entertainment Corp. on the benefits of hypnosis for the body mind connection.

I think for the hypnosis professional, it is in the walking our talk and living by example.

Just this morning my son asked me why I didn't hand my card to a smoker we encountered. I told him, when she is ready, she will seek hypnosis out. All we have to do is educate the public and they will find us.

I wonder, would you share your method for getting onto drive time radio? I've tried emailing the producer and talking to the on-air talent -- even offered to help them quit smoking! -- and so far no joy.

Persistence is key. I called into a show and chatted with the DJ's live. After that, I sent them press releases on every event I had coming up until they found a way that it fit with their show. I keep my contacts fun and brief, but I keep up the contact. I allow them to believe it is their idea, not mine.

In doing the extraordinary, hypnosis would help you to:

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What is the Transparent Hypnotist?

I am the transparent hypnotist, meaning that this blog is dedicated to the truth about hypnosis and myself in relation to hypnosis. I have been working in the field of hypnosis and NLP for two years. I am a certified hypnotist, but am just really starting out on my own. For client confidentiality, I am keeping this somewhat anonymous and am using this blog as a way to learn more and to help others understand the ways of the subconscious and conscious mind. I welcome the insight of others and positive discussion.